Shoulder brace

ABSTRACT

A shoulder brace ( 10 ) including front ( 80 ) and rear pressure pads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of an individual&#39;s shoulder joint, a support member ( 18 ) to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual, a front frame member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad, and a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rear pressure pad. Also included is an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of the individual, and a compression mechanism ( 20 ) configured to compress the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual&#39;s arm such that the front and rear pressure pads press against the individual&#39;s shoulder joint.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.09/363,924, filed on Jul. 30, 1999; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.09/506,012, filed on Feb. 17, 2000; U.S. Patent Application Ser. No.60/183,559, filed on Feb. 18, 2000; and Internation Patent ApplicationNo. PCT/US 01/05300, filed on Feb. 20, 2001, all of which areincorporated herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to orthopedic braces,particularly to a shoulder brace for providing support to the shoulderarea.

2. Description of the Related Art

The ball and socket joint of the human shoulder provides for freemovement of the arm. The area of contact between the various bones inthe shoulder is minimal and the shoulder joint is dependent uponsurrounding muscles, and to a lesser extent ligaments, tendons andfibrocartiledge, for its integrity and functionality. The muscular andbone composition of the shoulder is the subject of extensive medicalstudy and while a more detailed discussion of the anatomy of theshoulder is not necessary for the purposes here, such a discussion canbe found in most basic human anatomy books. Because of its construction,the shoulder joint is capable of flexion, extension, abduction,adduction, rotation and circumduction movement. Also because of itsconstruction, the shoulder joint is susceptible to a great number ofinjuries.

Injuries are commonplace in various activities that require constantmotion of the shoulder joint or subject the shoulder to stress. Forexample, the overhand throwing motion used in baseball is an unnaturalmotion that can cause shoulder muscle strains or tears, including injuryto the deep rotator muscles or rotator cuff of the shoulder and arm.Participants in contact sports such as rugby and football often suffershoulder injuries, e.g., dislocation of the ball and socket joint aswell. Once an injury to the shoulder area has occurred, it is frequentlynecessary to support the joint area to both facilitate the convalescingprocess in certain situations, and minimize discomfort due to theinjury. Additionally, it is advantageous to provide support to theshoulder area to help prevent shoulder injuries to individuals who areparticularly susceptible to such injuries.

Anterior shoulder instability most commonly develops when the restraintsof the humeral head are inadequate or excessive force is being applied,usually when the shoulder is in abduction, external rotation, andextension. Anterior shoulder stability is usually maintained by theanteroinferior glenohumeral ligament as well as the subscapularis muscleand the middle glenohumeral ligament. Weakness in these allows excessiveanterior translation of the humeral head in the glenoid fossa, thehumeral head being the ball and the glenoid fossa being the socket ofwhat is commonly referred to as the ball and socket joint of theshoulder. Since the anteroinferior glenohumeral ligament is especiallystressed when the arm is positioned in abduction, extension or externalrotation, it is reasonable to assume that preventing or limiting thesepositions might be beneficial for patients with instability. However, bypreventing or limiting those positions, athletes who suffer these typesof injuries or weaknesses would be particularly impaired in theirability to perform their respective activity.

There are a number of braces and harnesses known in the art thatalleviate pressure on various points of the shoulder joint. For example,U.S. Pat. No. 3,906,944 issued to Christian discloses a shoulder harnessthat prevents damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments in theshoulder area and also provides support to prevent the dislocation ofthe shoulder. The shoulder harness disclosed in the Christian patent,however, severely restricts the movement of the upper arm with respectto the shoulder, thereby restricting the movement of the ball and socketjoint. Furthermore, existing braces, such as the Christian harness, arecumbersome and difficult for a wearer to put on, particularly because ofthe shoulder injury. Most known braces and harnesses also neither allowthe wearer to increase or decrease the amount of support around the areaof the shoulder, nor are capable of being adjusted to conform to theparticular body size of the wearer.

Furthermore, known shoulder braces are generally excessively restrictiveon arm movement while they provide inadequate support for preventinganterior dislocation of the shoulder joint.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,188,587 issued to McGuire et al. teaches an activeshoulder brace made of a resilient fabric-like material. The shoulderbrace taught by McGuire et al. includes a sleeve portion which isdesigned to fit around the upper end of the upper arm of a patient andit includes straps that are wrapped over and around the sleeve portionand attached to a torso belt which anchors the straps attached to thesleeve portion. When a patient wearing the shoulder strap taught byMcGuire et al. raises their arm, the straps tighten and provide supportto the shoulder joint.

However, as with the other known shoulder straps, the shoulder straptaught by McGuire et al. exerts a substantial amount of force to the topof the shoulder and the upper arm when the patient wearing the strapraises their arm and far less pressure or support to the anterior,posterior and medial side of the shoulder joint. The result is that theshoulder strap provides a strong force which inhibits upward movement ofthe arm of the patient yet provides only moderate or little support orpressure to the anterior, posterior and medial sides of the shoulderjoint. As discussed above, patients with chronically dislocatingshoulders experience problems with the humeral head of the shouldermoving in an anterior direction out of the glenoid fossa and therebydislocating. Therefore, the shoulder straps of the prior art provide anexcessive amount of force that inhibits motion of the arm whileineffectively preventing the anterior dislocation of the shoulder joint.Therefore, it is desirable to provide a shoulder brace which cancompensate for weaknesses in tissues such as the glenohumeral ligament,the subscapularis muscle and the middle glenohumeral ligament, withoutcausing excessive restriction to arm movement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore desirable and an object of the present invention toprovide a shoulder brace that provides strong posterior, anterior and/ormedial pressure to the shoulder joint of a patient wearing the shoulderstrap while not excessively inhibiting motion of the arm. Movement of apatient's shoulder can be broken down into safe zones and danger zones.When a patient moves their arm so that their elbow is above the shoulderjoint when the patient is in a standing position, or when the elbow isbehind the plane passing between the front and rear side of the body, orwhen the arm is in excessive external rotation, movements into any suchareas would be into a danger zone where the likelihood of an anteriordislocation greatly increases. Furthermore, if such a movement occursduring an athletic activity, where other forces and stresses are exertedupon the shoulder joint, the chances of an anterior dislocation are evengreater.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoulderbrace that provides anterior and posterior compression of the shoulderjoint when the arm of the patient is moved into a danger zone.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a shoulderbrace that is less intrusive than that of the braces used in the priorart, causing less interference with a patient's movements and allowinggreater range of motion.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a shoulderbrace that can provide anterior and posterior compression of a shoulderjoint without inhibiting motion of the patient's arm in the upwarddirection.

These and other objects are achieved according to the present inventionby providing a shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to ashoulder of a patient's arm, and a positioning device configured toincrease a pressure to the shoulder of the patient in accordance with aposition of the user's arm.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the shoulder brace includesa shoulder member mountable to a shoulder of a patient's arm with anopen portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms and apositioning device configured to vary the spacing of the first andsecond arms according to the position of the patient's arm. Byconstructing the shoulder brace as such, the present invention avoidsundue restriction of movement of the user's arm while efficientlytransforming the energy directed into the shoulder brace by the movementof the user's arm into a pressure to the user's shoulder.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, thepositioning device includes a tensioning ring and first and secondtension triggering straps configured to provide anterior and posteriorcompression of the shoulder joint when the arm of the patient is movedinto a danger zone.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the shoulderbrace includes a first mounting member mountable to a user's pectoralarea, a second mounting member mountable to a user's upper arm, and aconnecting member connected to the first mounting member at a first end,and connected to the second mounting member at a second end.Additionally, a positioning device is configured to increase a pressureto the user's shoulder according to the movement of the user's arm. Byconstructing the shoulder brace as such, the shoulder brace efficientlycommunicates movements of the user's upper arm to the shoulder brace tothereby effect the pressure directed to the shoulder joint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a patient wearing a shoulder brace accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the shoulder brace shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the shoulder brace shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the shoulder brace shown in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c are cross-sectional views I—I and II—II shown inFIG. 4;

FIG. 5 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the shoulder braceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front view of an anchor strap according to the shoulderbrace of the present invention;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are side views of a further embodiment of the shoulderbrace of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a further embodiment of the shoulder brace according to thepresent invention;

FIGS. 10–15 are side views of further embodiments of biasing andrelaxing devices according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the presentinvention;

FIG. 17 is a further embodiment of the shoulder brace of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is an additional side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17according to the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 18;

FIG. 20 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace ofthe present invention;

FIG. 21 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a side view of a further embodiment of the shoulder braceaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace ofthe present invention;

FIG. 24 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace ofthe present invention;

FIG. 25 is a front view of a further embodiment of the shoulder brace ofthe present invention;

FIG. 26 is a side view of a patient wearing a further embodiment of theshoulder brace of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a front view of the patient wearing the shoulder brace shownin FIG. 26;

FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative alignment and anchor strap of theshoulder brace shown in FIG. 26;

FIGS. 29 a–b are cross-sectional side views of an actuating mechanismincluded in the shoulder brace shown in FIGS. 26 and 28;

FIG. 30 is a side view of a patient wearing yet another embodiment ofthe shoulder brace of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a front view of the patient wearing the shoulder brace shownin FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is a schematic of a compression mechanism included in theshoulder brace shown in FIGS. 31 and 32;

FIG. 33 is a schematic of another compression mechanism included in theshoulder brace shown in FIGS. 31 and 32;

FIG. 34 is a schematic of yet another compression mechanism included inthe shoulder brace shown in FIGS. 31 and 32;

FIG. 35 is a schematic illustrating an adjustment mechanism for a rearframe member of the shoulder brace according to the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a schematic illustrating a gear box included in thecompression mechanism according to the present invention; and

FIGS. 37–41 are copies of photographs of a person wearing the shoulderbrace shown in FIGS. 30, 31 and 32.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the nonlimiting example of the drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughoutthe several views, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 4, thereof,a shoulder strap 10 being worn by a patient 12 is generally shown.Shoulder brace 10 generally includes shoulder joint member 14, andpositioning device 20. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, shoulder joint member14 is generally annularly shaped so as to fit generally over a shoulderjoint 22 of a patient 12. Brace 10 may optionally include alignmentstrap 16 which generally has a front end 24 attached to a front arm 26of shoulder joint member 14 and a rear end 28 attached to a rear arm 30of shoulder joint member 14. Preferably, front end 24 and rear end 28 ofalignment strap 16 are attached to shoulder joint member 14 at a pivot32. Such a pivot allows the shoulder joint member 14 to rotate relativeto anchor strap 16 when a patient raises their arm, without significantimpingement or distortion of the strap 16 or shoulder joint member 14.Additionally, strap 16 may be made of elastic, or include an elasticportion (not shown) so as to provide a bias pulling shoulder jointmember 14 towards the torso of the patient.

Alignment strap 16 may also include a support strap 34 shown in phantomlines in FIGS. 1 and 3, thereby ensuring that alignment strap 16 doesnot inadvertently fall from a proper alignment for maintaining shoulderjoint member 14 in alignment with a patient's shoulder joint 22.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, anchor strap 18 is wrapped around a patient'storso 36. Anchor strap 18 is preferably positioned according to thepreferences of the patient. As shown in FIG. 1, anchor strap 18 isprovided in an upper abdominal region of the patient's torso 36.However, as shown in FIG. 2, anchor strap 18 may alternatively beprovided approximately around the patient's waste. Additionally, anchorstrap 18 may be provided in other configurations discussed in greaterdetail later.

Positioning device 20 may be comprised of tension triggering strap 21and a positioning unit 25. In this embodiment, triggering strap 21 isconnected at lower end 38 to anchor strap 18 and connected to frontlower end 40 and rear lower end 42 of shoulder joint member 14 at anupper end 44 of strap 21. Tension triggering strap may be constructedout of any flexible material formed into any shape including a wovencable or a band. In this embodiment, positioning unit 25 is constructedof tensioning ring 46 and eyelets 50 which are constructed to receiveone end of triggering strap 21. As better seen in FIG. 4, strap 21 isfirst threaded through tensioning ring 46 at a lower end 48 oftensioning ring 46, then through eyelets 50 formed on lower ends 40 and42 of shoulder joint member 14 and then through an upper end 52 oftensioning ring 46. More specifically, a first portion 54 of strap 21 isthreaded upwards through tensioner ring 46 then through eyelet 50 offront lower portion 40 of shoulder joint member 14 through the upperportion 52 of tensioning ring 46, then through eyelet 50 of rear lowerportion 42 of shoulder joint member 14 then again through lower portion48 of tension ring 46 wherein a double-back portion 56 of strap 21 issecured to the first portion 54 of strap 21 with a binder 58. Threadedas such, strap 21 is guided through tensioner ring 46 such that whenstrap 21 is provided with tension when a patient wearing the shoulderbrace 10 raises their arm, the positioning device 20 contracts shoulderjoint member 14 such that front arm 26 of shoulder joint member 14 iscompressed towards rear arm 30 so as to cause an anterior-posteriorcompression of the shoulder joint. By threading strap 21 throughtensioner ring 46 as such, positioning device 20 efficiently transmitsthe downward pulling of strap 21 through the ring to the eyelets 50 ofshoulder joint member 14 in a direction nearly perpendicular to thedirection strap 21 enters tensioning ring 46. Thereby, positioningdevice 20 transmits nearly a 1:1 ratio of compression between eyelets 50to the length of strap 21 pulled downward through tensioner ring 46.Furthermore, tensioner ring 46 is maintained in the vertical positionshown by the tension in strap 21 since strap 21 is threaded throughtensioner ring 46 and contacts it at the upper portion 52 of tensionerring 46, as shown in FIG. 4. However, positioning device 20 may takeother forms, such as that shown in FIG. 5, where tension triggeringstrap 23 is made from a wide strap such as a nylon strap and wherepositioning unit 25 includes tensioning loop 59 and eyelets 50 whereintriggering strap 23 is connected to loop 59. Also shown in FIG. 5 is analternative design for eyelets 50 formed on the front and rear lowerends of shoulder joint member 14. As shown there, eyelets 50 areconstructed of metal rings connected to ends 40 and 42.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 through 4, shoulder joint member 14 ispreferably generally annularly shaped with a front arm 26 and a rear arm30. In order to provide efficient transfer of the pulling forcegenerated in positioning device 20 by the upward movement of a patient'sarm into a compression force, preferably an anterior-posteriorcompression of the shoulder joint by the movement of front arm 26 andrear arm 30 towards each other in the direction of arrows A and Brespectively, shoulder joint member 14 includes a flexible portion 60formed between arms 26 and 30. By providing a flexible portion 60between arms 26 and 30, shoulder joint member 14 is more easilycompressed in the directions of A and B as compared to an annular memberwith uniform rigidity. Also preferably, front arm 26 and rear arm 30 areconstructed so as to be substantially rigid. Constructed as such, therelatively rigid arms 26 and 30 efficiently transfer the compressionforce in the directions of A and B while flexible portion 60 allows arms26 and 30 to move in directions A and B without excessive resistance.

By aligning arms 26 and 30 as such, arms 26 and 30 will apply a directforce in directions of A and B and thereby stabilize the glenohumeralhead. It is also conceived, however, that arms 26 and 30, or othermembers (not shown) could be arranged at other locations on the arm sothat a force is can be applied on the arm and close enough to theshoulder joint so that the resultant indirect force would providesufficient posteriorward force on the humeral head, in an indirectmanner.

Shoulder joint member 14 can be constructed from a single piece as shownin FIG. 4. When constructed as such, the rigidity of joint member 14 canbe varied along its length by changing its cross-sectional shape. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 4, the cross-sectional thickness of Jointmember 14 can be made relatively thick along front and rear arm portions26 and 30 and relatively thinner at flexible portions 60 betweendecreasing thickness sections 62 and 64. Flexible portion 60 may have auniform thickness across its length such as that shown in the brokenline in FIG. 4. Alternatively, flexible portion 60 may have a spacingportion 66 which is relatively thicker than flexible portion 60. Byproviding flexible portion 60 with a spacing portion 66, flexibleportion 60 is effectively broken into two flexible portions, frontflexible portion 68 and rear flexible portion 70. By constructing theflexible portion 60 as such, impingement of the upper portion of apatient's shoulder can be reduced since the folding or creasing ofshoulder joint member 14 is inhibited when front arm 26 and rear arm 30are moved towards each other in directions A and B, respectively.

Referring now to FIG. 5, flexible portion 60 may optionally beconstructed with hinges 72. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, flexiblemember 60 may be constructed with a single hinge 73 or the combinationof a front hinge 74, a rear hinge 76 and a spacer element 78. Similar tothe function of the front and rear flexible portions 68 and 70 shown inFIG. 4, front and rear hinges 74 and 76 similarly can reduce impingementof the upper part of the patient's shoulder when the front and rear arms26 and 30 of shoulder joint member 14 are moved towards each other inthe direction of arrows A and B, respectively.

As discussed above, in order to produce areas of differing rigidity,shoulder joint member 14 may be provided with cross-sections of varyingshape or size along its length. Referring now to FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c,optional cross-sectional shapes are shown for the cross-sections at I—Ifor front flexible portion 68 for example and cross-section II—II forthe rigid portion of front arm 26. As shown in FIG. 4 a, cross-sectionsI—I and II—II can be of a channel shape wherein the cross-section at I—Iis more shallow relative to the depth of the cross-section at II—II.FIG. 4 b shows a cross-sectional that is a solid rectangle. FIG. 4 cshows a cross-section that is oval wherein the cross-section at II—II issubstantially hollow thereby providing for a lightweight design whichdoes not have sharp edges on an outer surface so as to causeunattractive protrusions in the outer clothing of a patient wearing theshoulder strap. By providing for the reduced thickness cross-section atflexible portions 68 and 70, those portions are more flexible andthereby provide the flexation which allows shoulder joint member 14 tocompress in the directions of A and B without excessive resistance.Furthermore, by providing front arm 26 and rear arm 30 with increasedcross-sectional depth such as those shown in FIGS. 4 a through 4 c, arms26 and 30 efficiently transfer the compression force imparted upon arms26 and 30 by positioning device 20 to the anterior and posterior areasof a patient's shoulder joint 22, similar to the operation of ahand-held nut-cracker. Although the cross-sections shown in FIGS. 4 athrough 4 c are not drawn to scale, they are meant only to illustratethe concept of reducing the width or thickness of the cross-section ofthe joint shoulder member 14 to provide for relatively rigid portionsand relatively flexible portions. Using such a configuration, theshoulder joint member 14 can be made out a variety of materialsincluding thermoplastics and other composite materials such as carbonfiber. Although, when using more brittle or fatigue sensitive materialssuch as carbon fiber or metals such as aluminum or titanium, it may benecessary to use hinges rather than areas of reduced cross-sectionalthickness in order to allow the shoulder joint member to compress in thedirections of arrows A and B without excessive resistance.

In order to provide greater comfort to a patient wearing the shoulderstrap according to the present invention, the shoulder strap preferablyincludes cushion 80 which is positioned to be aligned generally with theanterior portion of a patient's shoulder joint 22. Preferably, cushion80 is shaped to evenly distribute the compression forces transmitted toit by the compression of front arm 26 towards rear arm 30 yet smallenough so as to minimize impingement of the pad when the patient movestheir arm towards their chest, i.e., adduction. Shoulder joint member 14may also be provided with a rear cushion 82 so as to provide additionalcomfort for the patient's back upon compression of front arm 26 and reararm 30 towards each other in the directions of arrows A and B,respectively. Cushions 80 and 82 may be constructed of any knowncushioning material such as foam, rubber compounds, or other softmaterials, but are preferably constructed of PDE.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of anchor strap 18 isshown. As shown in the figure, anchor strap 18 may be constructed asstrap 84 such that it wraps diagonally around an upper abdominal regionof 86 of a patient. Alternatively, the anchor strap may be constructedas strap 88 which wraps around a patient's waste or hips or finally,anchor strap 18 may be wrapped around a patient's upper thigh as strap90. In each case, tension triggering straps 21 or 23 would be attachedto the anchor strap in an area below the patient's arm as shown in thesolid and dotted lines. However, it has been found that straps such as88 and 90 are less stable, less comfortable and/or are affected by otherbody motions, and are thereby less reliable in providing tension toshoulder strap member 14 to compress front and rear arms 26 and 30.Therefore, strap 84 is the preferred configuration of anchor strap 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 7–15, a further embodiment of the presentinvention is shown therein. As shown in the figures, positioning unit 25includes a relaxing device 92 connected between the two open ends 94 and96 of shoulder joint member 14. As in the previous embodiment, shoulderjoint member 14 can be held in place by alignment strap 16, around theshoulder joint of a patient. Optionally, the shoulder brace in thisembodiment can include a cushion 80 alone or in addition to a rearcushion 82. In this embodiment, shoulder joint member 14 is biased in adirection so as to compress in an anterior-posterior direction shoulderjoint 22 of a patient, so that the front arm 26 and rear arm 30 ofshoulder joint member 14 are biased in the directions of arrows A and Brespectively. Relaxing device 92 is configured such that when it isurged downward in the direction of arrow C, the open ends 94 and 96 ofshoulder joint member 14 are spread apart thereby relaxing thecompression in the direction of arrows A and B on the shoulder joint 22.In order to urge relaxing device 92 in the downward direction, tensiontriggering strap 98 is connected to relaxing device 92 at upper end 100and attached to anchor strap 102 at lower end 104, as shown in FIG. 8.Connected as such, when a patient has their arm in a lowered position,such as that shown in FIG. 8, tension triggering strap 98 is pulled in adownward direction as viewed in FIG. 8 thereby pulling relaxing device92 in a downward direction and thereby spreading front arm 26 and reararm 30 of shoulder joint member 14 in the direction of arrows D and E,respectively.

As better seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, relaxing device 92 comprises awedge-shaped member 106 that is configured to be received by the openends 94 and 96 of shoulder joint member 14 such that as wedge-shapedmember 106 is pulled downward in the direction of arrow C, to thedownward position shown in FIG. 11, open ends 94 and 96 of shoulderjoint member 14 are pushed apart thereby relaxing the anterior-posteriorcontraction of the shoulder joint member 14.

By constructing shoulder joint member 4 so that it biased in acompressive state, and providing a relaxing device for opposing the biasof the shoulder joint member 14, the shoulder brace according to thisembodiment operates in a substantially opposite manner as that of theprevious embodiment. For example, in the previous embodiment, the energytransferred to the shoulder joint member 14 by the movement of thepatient's arm in an upward direction caused the shoulder joint member 14to be compressed in an anterior-posterior direction which therebyinherently causes at least some resistance to the patient's armmovement. However, in the present embodiment, shoulder joint member 14is biased toward a compressive state, and is released when the patientmoves their arm in an upward direction. Furthermore, because relaxingdevice 92 maintains tension in tension triggering strap 98 when thepatient's arm is in a lowered position, the tension in tensiontriggering strap 98 aids the patient in raising their arm, while gravityaids in lowering of the arm. This embodiment thereby provides asubstantial benefit to patients suffering from a serious injury ordisability where any resistance to the movement of their arm in anupward direction would prevent them from moving their arm at all, whichthereby enhances the disability, and slows physical therapy andrecovery.

As shown in FIGS. 12–15, the relaxing device can be constructed in anumber of ways. For example, the relaxing device 92 shown in FIGS.12–14, includes a pivot boss 108 which is oriented vertically betweenthe free ends of shoulder joint member 14, as viewed in FIGS. 12–14, anda pair of pivot rods 110. Similar to the operation of the wedge-shapedmember 106, when the tension triggering strap 98 is pulled in adirection of arrow C, pivot rods 110 are urged to rotate in thedirection of arrow C, and therefor push the open ends 94, 96 of shoulderjoint member 14 apart in the direction of arrows D and E, respectively,as shown in FIG. 13. Although this embodiment requires a greater numberof moving parts, this embodiment inherently has less frictionalresistance compared to the operation of the wedge-shaped member 106.FIGS. 14 and 15 show further embodiments of the relaxing device 92 wherean upper biasing device 112 such as a spring. In this embodiment,shoulder joint member 14 may be constructed of two separate pieces 114and 116 which are attached at hinge 118. In order to provide a bias tojoint member 14, when it is constructed as such, a lower biasing member120 such as a spring may be used and optionally an additional upperbiasing member may be used. This arrangement would be particularlyuseful when shoulder joint member 14 is constructed of brittle and/orfatigue sensitive materials such as resin-matrix composites such ascarbon fiber, or metals such as aluminum or titanium.

FIG. 16 illustrates a further alternative embodiment to the presentinvention. In this embodiment, the shoulder brace is provided withlimiter 122 which is attached to alignment pivot plate 124 which is inturn pivotally mounted to pivot 32. Limiter member 122 extendsdownwardly from hinge 126 the patient's upper arm, curls along an insidesurface 128 of a patient's arm then behind the elbow of the patient'sarm at an elbow end 130 of limiter member 122. Limiter member 122 ispreferably made of a semi-rigid material which can flex with movement ofthe user but provides, however, a desired amount of resistance tospecified motions. For example, with the configuration as describedabove, limiter member 122 will provide strong resistance to the movementof the patient's arm in a rearward direction along arrow F shown in FIG.21. However, because limiter member 122 is hinged to alignment plate124, which is in turn pivotally attached to shoulder joint member 14,limiter member 122 can freely rotate around pivot 32 so that a movementof the patient's arm in the direction of arrow G, as shown in FIG. 20,is not excessively resisted. Hinge 126 also allows a user to move theirarm in adduction without excessive impingement. For example, if a usermoves their arm from the position shown in FIG. 20 by moving the armshown so that the elbow moves towards the patient's chest, hinge 26 willallow limiter member 122 to rotate around hinge 126 and thereby allowthe patient's arm to move in adduction. Also as shown in FIG. 16,alignment strap 16 is constructed with a telescoping portion 132.Telescoping portion 132 includes a tongue element 134 and the sleeveelement 136. Sleeve element 136 is hingedly attached to alignment plate124 with telescope hinge 138. Constructed as such, the telescopingportion provides greater mobility in that when the shoulders of thepatient are shrugged forward, the telescoping portion can contract andsleeve element 136 can rotate around telescope hinge 138 so thatimpingement is prevented. This provides greater comfort for a user.Sleeve element 136 may optionally include a biasing device (not shown)such as a spring to bias tongue element 134 into sleeve element 13.

Referring now to FIG. 17, a further embodiment of the present inventionis shown therein. As shown in the figure, the shoulder brace is providedwith an anti-rotation strap which is wound helically around the upperarm of the patient with at least one turn. Upper end 142 ofanti-rotation strap 140 is pivotally connected to pivot 32 and lower end144 of anti-rotation strap is connected to anti-rotation anchor 146.Arranged as such, anti-rotation strap 140 resists rotation of thepatient's arm in the direction of arrow G as shown in FIG. 17. However,anti-rotation strap 140 does not inhibit upward motion of the patient'sarm as shown in FIG. 18.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 22. Asshown in this figure, positioning device includes a referenceorientation detecting device 148, an arm orientation detecting device150 and a compression device 152. Orientation detecting devices 148 and150 can be constructed of inclinometers, for example. In thisembodiment, compression device 152 is configured to pull front arm 26and rear arm 30 in a direction of arrows A and B respectively, when thepatient's arm is moved into a “danger zone”. Compression device 152 maybe constructed of a solenoid or other electronic or hydraulic device. Inoperation, orientation detecting device 148 can provide a signalcorresponding to the orientation of the patient's shoulder sinceshoulder joint member 14 remains relatively stationary with respect tothe patient's shoulder joint 22. Orientation detecting device 150provides a signal corresponding to the orientation of the patient'supper arm. In this embodiment, a comparator (not shown) which may beincorporated into orientation detecting device 150 or 148, or intocompression device 152, compares the orientation signals output byorientation detecting devices 148 and 150 and determines if thepatient's arm is in a danger zone. If the patient's arm is in a dangerzone, then the comparator signals compression device 152 to compressfront arm 26 and rear arm 30 of shoulder joint member 14 in thedirections of arrows A and B respectively. In this embodiment, it may bepreferable to incorporate hinges 72 into flexible portion 60 so as tominimize resistance to the compression caused by compression device 152since any resistance will require additional power to be supplied tocompression device 152, and therefore require additional weight. Thisembodiment is also particularly useful for patient's who haveexperienced an extreme injury or disability. Since this embodiment doesnot rely on any motion of the patient's arm to provide energy forcompressing or releasing the anterior-posterior compression of thepatient's shoulder joint, there is no inhibition of the patient's armmovements. Therefore, this embodiment allows for maximum movement of thepatient's arm and therefore aids the patient in the movements that maybe required in physical therapy.

Referring now to FIG. 23, a further embodiment of the present inventionis constructed of a first mounting member 160 configured to fit over atleast a pectoral area of a user or patient 12. A second mounting member162 is configured to be mountable to an upper arm portion 164 of apatient's arm. First mounting member 160 may be constructed out of anymaterial. However, it is preferable that first mounting member 160 ismade from at least a semirigid material such as plastic or even lightmetals such as aluminum. Preferably, only a portion of first mountingmember 160 is made from a rigid material, so as to avoid impingementupon the user's skin. The remaining portion 161 of first mounting member160 could be made from spandex or other materials so as to providemaximum comfort. Second mounting member 162 may also be made of an atleast a semirigid material such as plastic or light metals. Similarly,the portion of second mounting member 162 made from the at leastsemirigid material is preferably made as small as possible, while theremaining portion 163 of second mounting member 162 is made from afabric so as to maximize comfort.

As shown in FIG. 23, a connecting member 166 is attached to a firstmounting member 160 at a first end 168 and is attached to secondmounting member 162 at a second end 170.

Also shown in FIG. 23, are two parallel slots 172 and 174 formed infirst mounting member 160. First end 168 of connecting member 166 isslidably connected to slots 172 and 174 via mounting members 176 and178. Optionally, mounting members 176 and 178 may include threadedfasteners (not shown) for anchoring the connection between the first end168 of connecting member 166 to first mounting member 160. This allows auser to install the shoulder brace in such a way so as to immobilize thepatient's shoulder, which may be desirable immediately after an injury,for example.

As shown in FIG. 23, positioning device 180 is formed of two springs 182and 184 which bias the connecting members towards a medially inwarddirection, i.e., in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 23. Byconstruction of the shoulder brace as such, a patient's weakenedglenohumeral ligaments, which may have been weakened by a dislocationinjury, are prevented from being stressed by the medially inward biascreated by the positioning device 180. Although not illustrated in FIG.23, positioning device 180 may be formed with a single slot and/or asingle spring.

One advantage of forming the shoulder brace with slots 172 and 174 andsprings 182 and 184, is that when a user rotates their upper arm 164 inthe direction of arrow B, mounting member 178 is pushed in the directionof arrow C, thereby adding tension into spring 184, thereby causingadditional medially inward pressure, thereby preventing stress beingimparted to the glenohumeral ligaments.

As shown in FIG. 23, connecting member 166 is in the form of a plate.Preferably, connecting member 176 is made from a semirigid material thatallows some flexation, so that a patient may have some mobility.However, for certain injuries, it may be desirable to construct aconnecting member 166 from a rigid material having a thickness whichwould prevent movement of the user's upper arm 164 forward or backwards.On the other hand, by constructing connecting member 166 from a moreflexible material, such as a hard rubber, the patient or user is notpreventing from moving their upper arm 164 forward or backward, and isthereby provided with some flexibility.

Additionally, the shoulder base may include a second connecting member(not shown) configured to be arranged in essentially an identicalconfiguration shown in FIG. 23, but arranged on the user's back. Byadding an additional connector member 166 as such, the shoulder braceprovides additional support and symmetry to the forces imparted to theshoulder joint.

FIGS. 24 and 25 illustrate other embodiments of the shoulder brace ofthe present invention. The shoulder braces shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 aresimilar to that shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, but the positioningunit 20 includes at least one additional tension triggering strap 200.The elements shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 which have the same referencenumerals as in FIGS. 1-23 are not described for simplicity purposes.However, it is to be noted that any of the shoulder braces previouslydiscussed and shown in the Figures may be used with the additionaltension triggering strap 200.

FIG. 24 illustrates the tension triggering strap 200 connected to an armband 212 on an upper arm portion 206 of the patient 12. The tensiontriggering strap 200 is passed through the tensioner ring 46 and loopedthrough a ring 202 attached to the anchor strap 18. One end 204 of thetension triggering strap is attached to the arm band 212. The one end204 may be riveted, clamped, sewn, etc., so that the one end 204 isfixedly secured to the arm band 212. Further, the arm band 212 is placedas close to an armpit of the user so that a shirt may be easily placedover the shoulder brace 10 including the tension triggering strap 200.Another end 214 of the tension triggering strap 200 is looped throughthe ring 202 and then attached to the strap 200 with a binder, forexample (similar to the binder 58 discussed in FIGS. 1 and 2, forexample). Further, the tension triggering strap 21 is also fixed at theend 214 of the tension triggering strap 200. Threaded as such, the strap200 is guided through the tensioner ring 46 such that when the strap 200is provided with tension when a patient wearing a shoulder brace 10raises their arm, the positioning device 20 contracts shoulder jointmember 14 such that the front arm 26 of the shoulder joint member 14 iscompressed towards rear arm 30 so as to cause an interior-posteriorcompression of the shoulder joint. The tension triggering strap 200provides additional compression of the front arm 26 towards the rear arm30 indicated by arrows A and B.

The shoulder brace 10 shown in FIGS. 24 and 25 may also includealignment straps, such as an alignment strap 16 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.In addition, the anchor strap 18 is shown wrapped around a patient'storso 36. However, the anchor strap 18 may be positioned according tothe preferences of the patient. In addition, the anchor strap 18 mayalternatively be provided approximately around the midriff, thigh orhips, for example. That is, the anchor strap 18 may be placed at a mostcomfortable position for the patient and which provides a sufficienttension for the triggering straps 21 and 200.

The ring 202 may be secured to the anchor 18 by sewing, a binder, glueor may be omitted. That is, the strap 200 may be looped through a holeprovided in the anchor 18. Alternatively, the triggering strap 200 maybe fixedly secured to the anchor 18 in a similar fashion as thetriggering strap 21.

FIG. 25 is similar to FIG. 24 but the first and second ends 204 and 214of the triggering strap 10 are attached (e.g., fixedly secured) to thearm band 212. In addition, FIG. 25 illustrates two portions of the strap200 passing through the tensioner ring 46, whereas FIG. 24 illustratesonly one portion of the strap 200 passing through the tensioner ring 46.

In addition, the lengths of the straps 21 and 200 may be varied by usingclamps rather than glueing or sewing the ends 204 and 214 (in both ofFIGS. 24 and 25). Thus, the pressure of the shoulder brace may beadjusted by adjusting a slack in the tensioning straps 21 and 200 andclamping the ends 204 and 214 with a clamp. Further, FIGS. 24 and 25illustrate two tension triggering straps 21 and 210. However, it ispossible that these two triggering straps be included into a singletension triggering strap which performs the same functions as the twotension triggering straps.

FIGS. 26–29 b illustrate another embodiment of the shoulder brace of thepresent invention. In particular, FIG. 26 illustrates the patient 12wearing a shoulder brace 201 which includes actuators 249, 250. Theactuators 249, 250 compress the shoulder joint when the patient's arm ismoved. Also shown is a rigid frame which includes an arm frame member256 and a shoulder frame member 258. The alignment strap 16 and anchorstrap 18 may also be used for aligning and securing the shoulder brace201. The straps 16 and 18 have previously been described and accordinglya detailed description is now omitted. However, note FIG. 28 (which isdiscussed later) illustrates an alternative arrangement for aligning andsecuring the shoulder brace.

FIG. 27 illustrates a front view of the shoulder brace 201 shown in FIG.26 and will be used to describe an operation thereof. As shown, when theright arm of the patient 12 is moved (e.g., in the direction of thearrow Y), the rigid arm frame member 256 is also moved causing aclockwise force (in the direction of the arrow X) on the actuator 250.This clockwise force causes front and rear pads 252, 254 (only the frontpad 252 is shown in FIG. 27) to press against the shoulder joint of thepatient 12 (and thus compress the shoulder joint). The more the arm ismoved, the greater the compression force. The actuators 249, 250 arediscussed in more detail with reference to FIGS. 29 a–b.

FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative alignment and anchor strap 17 fromthe alignment strap 16 and anchor strap 18 discussed previously. Asshown, the alignment strap 16 and anchor strap 18 in FIG. 27 arecombined into a single strap 17 for aligning and securing the shoulderbrace 201. The anchoring and alignment strap 17 reduces the number ofstraps and provides more comfort to the individual.

Turning now to FIGS. 29 a and 29 b, which are cross-sectional side viewsof the front and rear actuators 249, 250. In particular, FIG. 29 aillustrates a disassembled view of the front actuator 250, whichincludes the shoulder frame member 258 threadably engaged with the framemember 256 (via a threaded portion 260). The arm frame member 256 issecurely fastened (e.g., integrally molded) with the threaded portion260, such that when the arm frame member 256 is moved away from thebody, the threaded portion 260 is rotated inwards so as to press thefront pressure pad 252 against the patient's shoulder joint.

In more detail, when the patient's arm is moved, the arm frame member256 causes the threaded portion 260 to rotate such that the frontpressure pad 252 presses against the patient's shoulder joint. Thepressure is generated towards the patient's shoulder because theshoulder frame member 258 remains in essentially a fixed position (i.e.,the frame member 258 does not move). Thus, the threaded portion 260rotates towards the patient's shoulder joint. The rear actuator 249operates in a similar fashion.

FIG. 29 b illustrates an assembled view of the rear actuator 249including the frame member 258 threadably engaged with the frame member256 (via a threaded portion 261). The threaded portion 261 includesleft-hand threads, whereas the threaded portion 260 includes right-handthreads, such that the threaded portions rotate inwards so as to pressthe front and rear pressure pads 252, 254 against the patient's shoulderjoint. That is, the threaded portions 260 and 261 are oppositelythreaded.

In addition, the front and rear pressure pads 252, 254 may be connectedto the arm frame member 256 such that the pads do not rotate when theactuator rotates. This may be accomplished by including a projectingportion 262 of the pressure pad which freely rotates in a passageway 264of the arm frame member 256 (see FIGS. 29 a and 29 b). The diameters ofthe projecting portions 262 are smaller than the diameters of the holes264, and thus the pressure pads are free to rotate.

The front and rear pads 252, 254 may be assembled by pushing theprojection portion 262 into the passageway 264 until the projectingportion 262 “snaps” into place, thereby securing the front and rearpressure pads 252, 254 to the frame member 256.

In addition, the frame portions may include a fiber-reinforced plastic,injected molded plastic, etc., with a sufficient rigidity to function asa frame for supporting the actuators 249, 250.

Turning now to FIGS. 30–36, which illustrate yet another embodiment ofthe shoulder brace of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 30illustrates the individual 12 wearing a shoulder brace 300, whichincludes a front frame member 304, a rear frame member 306, a frontpressure pad 308, a rear pressure pad 310, an arm cuff 314 and a supportframe member 312. The front and rear pressure pads 308, 310 arerespectively positioned on front and rear portions of the individual'sshoulder joint and the support member 312 is positioned at a mid-sectionof the individual. Further, the front frame member 304 is connected tothe support frame member 312 and the front pressure pad 308. Similarly,the rear frame member 306 is connected to the support frame member 312and the rear pressure pad 310. The shoulder brace 300 also includes acord 316 which traverses over the individual's shoulder.

FIG. 31 illustrates a front view of the shoulder brace 300 shown in FIG.30 and will be used to describe an operation thereof. As shown, when theright arm of the individual 12 is moved away from the body (e.g., in thedirection of the arrow Y), the arm cuff 314 is also moved, which pullsthe cord 316. This causes the compression mechanism (described in moredetail later) to compress the front and rear frame members 304, 306 inaccordance with the movement of the individual's arm such that the frontand rear pressure pads 308, 310 press against the individual's shoulderjoint. The more the arm is moved, the greater the compression force.Also shown in FIG. 31 is an anchor strap 318 for securing the supportframe member onto the mid-section of the individual. The anchor strap318 may be a nylon belt, for example.

Turning now to the different examples of the compression mechanismsaccording to the present invention. In the first example, as shown inFIG. 32, the compression mechanism includes a gear box 302 connected tothe support frame member 312. In addition, the cord 316 is routed froman anchor point 329 on the arm cuff (not shown) through the gear box302, onto a surface of the rear frame member 306, over the individual'sshoulder, and onto an anchor point 326 on the front frame member 304.

Thus, according to this example, the cord 316 is pulled so as tocompress the front and rear frame members 304, 306 in accordance withthe movement of the individual's arm such that the front and rearpressure pads 308, 310 press against the individual's shoulder joint.The gear box 302 (shown in more detail in FIG. 36) provides theefficient conversion ratio (e.g. a 4:1 gear ratio or any other gearration necessary to achieve to amount of pressure required to compressthe shoulder joint) so that the further movement of the individual's armaway from the body results in a greater compression force.

Further, a plurality of pulleys may be positioned along the route of thecord 316 so as to facilitate the easy movement of the cord 316. Forexample, in FIG. 32, a pulley 328 is provided on the support member 312so as to facilitate the easy movement of the cord between the gear box302 and the arm cuff 314. Also shown is a cord anchor 326 for anchoringthe cord 316 onto the front frame member 304. In addition, the rearframe member includes a groove 320 for receiving and routing the cord316 along the surface of the rear frame member 306. Note, a plurality ofpulleys may also be positioned along the rear frame member to facilitatea movement of the cord. For example, the cord 316 may be anchored bypassing it through a plurality of hole in the frame member and securingan end of the cord through at least one loop created by the cord passingin and out of the plurality of holes. Another method of securing thecord is by using a screw and washer type mechanism to secure fasten thecord to the frame member.

Turning now to FIG. 33, which illustrates another example of thecompression mechanism according to the present invention. As shown, thecord 316 is routed from an anchor point 329 on the arm cuff (not shown),through the gear box 302, onto a pulley 328 included on the rear framemember, under the individual's shoulder (note this differs from FIG. 32in which the cord 316 is routed over the individual's shoulder), througha pulley 328 included on the front frame member 304, and back under theindividual's shoulder to an anchor point 326 on the rear frame member306. Thus, as the individual's arm is moved, the cord 316 is pulled soas to compress the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310 against theindividual's shoulder joint. Note the rear frame member 306 in FIG. 33does not include a groove as in FIG. 32.

FIG. 34 illustrates yet another example of the compression mechanismaccording to the present invention. Note FIG. 34 is similar to FIG. 33,except the cord 316 is routed from the anchor point 329 on the arm cuff(not shown), through the gear box 302, onto a surface of the rear framemember 306 through the groove 320, under the individual's shoulder to apulley 328 included on the front frame member 304, and back under theindividual's shoulder to an anchor point 326 included on the rear framemember 306. Thus, as the individual's arm is moved, the cord 316 ispulled so as to compress the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310against the individual's shoulder joint.

In addition, it is also possible to not loop back the cord 316 under theindividual's shoulder. That is, the cord 316 may be anchored onto thefront frame member 304. However, looping the cord 316 between the frontand rear frame members 304, 306 provides an additional compressionforce.

In addition, the front pressure pad 308 is moveably connected to thefront frame member 304 (e.g., via a ball and socket type connection) andmay be “snapped” onto the front frame member 304. The front pressure pad308 may be movable to accommodate movement of the individual's frontshoulder joint. That is, the front shoulder joint tends to move morethan the rear shoulder joint when the individual's arm is moved.Alternatively, both the front and rear pressure pads 308, 310, may bemovably connected to, or permanently fixed to, the front and rear framemembers 304, 306.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 32–34, the front frame member 304 ispivotably connected to the support frame member 312 at an end thereof(i.e., pivoted about a pivot joint 324 in a direction of the arrow H).

FIG. 36 illustrates an adjustment mechanism configured to adjust thelocation of the rear pad 310 on the individual's shoulder joint. Forexample, as shown, the rear frame member 306 and the support member 312include slots 336, 338 at an interconnection region thereof such thatthe positioning of the rear pressure pad 310 on the individual'sshoulder joint may be adjusted. Also shown are fasteners 340 (e.g., anut and bolt) used to lock the rear frame member 306 into the desiredadjustment. Thus, the rear frame member may be set into a desiredposition so as to set the position of the rear pad 310 on theindividual's shoulder joint. The front and rear pads 308,310 may also beadjusted on the front and rear frame members 304 and 306, respectively.

In addition, the arm cuff 314 may be made from a rigid plastic materialand include a velcro portion so as to be easily positioned and securedto the arm of the individual. For example, the arm cuff 314 may beplaced around the individual's arm and then secured via the velcrostrap.

In addition, the support frame member 312 may be made from a rigidplastic material such as polystyrene, the front and rear frame membersmay be made from a rigid lightweight metal, such as aluminum, and thefront and rear pads and the arm cuff 314 may be made from a rigidplastic material (such as polystyrene) including a thermoplastic paddingto provide comfort and to provide location stability. The materialselected for the shoulder brace should provide the sufficient rigidityrequired and be lightweight. The cord material may be a braided cordhaving sufficient strength to withstand the tensions to compress thefront and rear frame members 304, 306 in accordance with the movement ofthe individual's arm (such as a braided cord manufactured by WesternFilament under the trademark SPECTRA).

Turning now to FIG. 35, which illustrates the gear box 302 in moredetail. As shown, the gear box 302 includes a first wheel 332 and asecond wheel 334 attached to the first wheel 332. Note, the first andsecond wheels 332, 334 may be a single component (e.g., be integrallymolded). The second wheel 334 has a larger diameter than the diameter ofthe first wheel 332. Thus, because the second wheel 334 has a largerdiameter than the first wheel 332, a larger pulling force on the frontand rear frame members 304, 306 is created with a movement of theindividual's arm. That is, the gearbox 302 converts the pulling forcecreated by the movement of the arm cuff 314 into a larger pulling force(e.g., a pulling force which is 4 times greater) used to pull the frontand rear members 304, 306 together.

In addition, as shown, the cord 316 is routed from the arm cuff (notshown) through the pulleys 328 provided on the support frame member 312into the gear box 302 and is wound around (at least once) the first andsecond wheels 332, 334. The cord 316 then exits the gear box 302 and isrouted over a pulley 328 into the rear frame member 306 (via a throughhole) and onto the groove 320 of the rear frame member 306. The cord 316may be a single cord as shown in the figures, or may be, for example,two separate cords: a first cord connected to the first wheel 332 and asecond cord connected to the second wheel 334.

Thus, according to the present invention, a shoulder injury may beefficiently treated via the shoulder brace shown in the FIGS. 30–36 bypositioning the front and rear pressure pads on front and rear portionsof the individual's shoulder joint, positioning the shoulder member at amid-section of the individual, and positioning the arm cuff on the armof the individual. Then, the compression mechanism compresses the frontand rear frame members in accordance with a movement of the individual'sarm such that the front and rear pressure pads press against theindividual's shoulder joint. The positions of the front and rear padsmay also be adjusted and the support frame member may be secured to themid-section of the individual.

Further, because wounds may appear or be at locations where the shoulderbrace contacts the individual's skin (e.g., at the front and rearpressure pads, on the inner surface of the arm cuff, etc.), a bacteriastatic material may be applied to these regions to prevent infectionand/or to reduce the odor associated with such wounds. In more detail, abacteria static material that is activated by moisture (such a silvernylon material made by Omishield, Sacuoito, or Swift) may be applied onthe inner surfaces of the front and rear pads, support frame member, armcuff, etc. (the inner surfaces being defined as the surfaces whichcontact the skin). The bacteria static material kills unwanted organismsand other odor causing organisms. Another bacteria static material whichmay be applied to areas on the shoulder brace is one manufactured byBecker Technology Group under the Trademark SILVERAPLPHA. The inventorof the present application has filed several related bacteria staticmaterial applications related to preventing odor and unwanted organismsusing bacteria static materials such as silver-impregnated fabric.

In addition, it may be preferable to apply the bacteria static materialonly on certain portions of the front and rear pressure pads (and otherskin touching areas on the shoulder brace). That is, there is athermoplastic material provided on parts of the shoulder brace (e.g.,the front and rear pads), which provide location stability for the frontand rear pads (e.g., the front and rear pads do not slip due to thethermoplastic material). However, if a bacteria static material isapplied to the entire inner surface of the front and rear pressure pads,for example, the pads may be more likely to slip. Therefore, it may bepreferable to apply the bacteria static material only to the inner orouter regions of the pressure pads (i.e., to effectively utilize thelocation stability of the thermoplastic material as well as the benefitsof the bacteria static material).

In addition, the present inventor has determined the amount of pressureto be applied to the shoulder joint to avoid the shoulder from poppingout of its joint is in the range of about 1 to 40 pounds. This can beaccomplished by measuring (via a pressure gauge including a springloaded mechanism,), a minimum amount of pressure required to prevent anindividual from dislocating his shoulder. In fact, many patients arereferred to as “voluntary sublexers,” which means they can voluntarilydislocate their shoulder. Based on preliminary investigations, it isbelieved the minimum pressure is about 1 pound (the pressure required toprevent a voluntary sublexerfrom discloting his shoulder). Further, itis believed a maximum amount of pressure is about 40 pounds.

Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the presentinvention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is thereforeto be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, theinvention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically describedherein.

1. A shoulder brace comprising: front and rear pressure pads to berespectively positioned on front and rear portions of an individual'sshoulder joint; a support member to be positioned at a mid-section ofthe individual; a front frame member connected to the support member andthe front pressure pad; a rear frame member connected to the supportmember and the rear pressure pad; an arm cuff to be positioned on thearm of the individual; and a compression mechanism configured tocompress the front and rear frame members in accordance with a movementof the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressure pads pressagainst the individual's shoulder joint, wherein the compressionmechanism comprises: a gear box connected to the support member; a cordwhich is routed from an anchor point on the arm cuff, through the gearbox, onto a surface of the rear frame member, over the individual'sshoulder, and to an anchor point on the front frame member.
 2. Theshoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the compression mechanismcomprises: a gear box connected to the support member; a cord which isrouted from an anchor point on the arm cuff, through the gear box, ontoa pulley included on the rear frame member, under the individual'sshoulder, to a pulley included on the front frame member, and back underthe individual's shoulder to an anchor point on the rear frame member.3. The shoulder brace according to claim 1, wherein the compressionmechanism comprises: a gear box connected to the support member; a cordwhich is routed from an anchor point on the arm cuff, through the gearbox, onto a surface of the rear frame member, under the individual'sshoulder, to a pulley included on the front frame member, and back underthe individual's shoulder to an anchor point on the rear frame member.4. The shoulder brace according to claims 1, 2, or 3, furthercomprising: a plurality of pulleys positioned along the route of thecord so as to facilitate the movement of the cord.
 5. The shoulder braceaccording to claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the gear box includes a firstwheel and a second wheel attached to the first wheel, said second wheelhaving a larger diameter than a diameter of the first wheel, and whereinthe cord is wound around the first and second wheels at least once. 6.The shoulder brace according to claims 1 or 4, wherein the rear framemember comprises a groove configured to receive and route the cord alongthe surface of the rear frame member.
 7. The shoulder brace according toclaims 1, 2, or 3, wherein the cord comprises a braided cord havingsufficient strength to compress the front and rear frame members inaccordance with the movement of the individual's arm.
 8. The shoulderbrace according to claim 1, wherein the front pressure pad is movablyconnected to the front frame member and the rear pressure pad is fixedto the rear frame member.
 9. The shoulder brace according to claim 1,wherein the support member is made from a semi-rigid material, the frontand rear frame members are made from a rigid-material, and the front andrear pads and the arm cuff are made from a semi-rigid material having athermoplastic padding to provide comfort and to provide locationstability of the front and rear pads.
 10. The shoulder brace accordingto claim 1, wherein the front frame member is pivotally connected to thesupport frame member at an end thereof, and is fixed in place via ananchor provided on the support frame member.
 11. The shoulder braceaccording to claim 1, further comprising: an anchoring mechanismconfigured to secure the support frame member on the mid-section of theindividual.
 12. A shoulder brace comprising: front and rear pressurepads to be respectively positioned on front and rear portions of anindividual's shoulder joint; a support member to be positioned at amid-section of the individual; a front frame member connected to thesupport member and the front pressure pad; a rear frame member connectedto the support member and the rear pressure pad; an arm cuff to bepositioned on the arm of the individual; compression means forcompressing the front and rear frame members in accordance with amovement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressurepads press against the individual's shoulder joint; and means forfacilitating the movement of a cord included in the compression means,wherein the rear frame member comprises means for receiving and routingthe cord along the surface of the rear frame member.
 13. A shoulderbrace comprising: front and rear pressure pads to be respectivelypositioned on front and rear portions of an individual's shoulder joint;a support member to be positioned at a mid-section of the individual; afront frame member connected to the support member and the frontpressure pad; a rear frame member connected to the support member andthe rear pressure pad; an arm cuff to be positioned on the arm of theindividual; and compression means for compressing the front and rearframe members in accordance with a movement of the individual's arm suchthat the front and rear pressure pads press against the individual'sshoulder joint, wherein the front pressure pad is movably connected tothe front frame member and the rear pressure pad is fixed to the rearframe member.
 14. A method of treating a shoulder injury via a shoulderbrace including front and rear pressure pads; a support member; a frontframe member connected to the support member and the front pressure pad;a rear frame member connected to the support member and the rearpressure pad; an arm cuff; and a compression mechanism, and said methodcomprising: positioning the front and rear pressure pads on front andrear portions of the individual's shoulder joint; positioning thesupport member at a mid-section of the individual; and positioning thearm cuff on the arm of the individual, wherein the compression mechanismcompresses the front and rear frame members in accordance with amovement of the individual's arm such that the front and rear pressurepads press against the individual's shoulder joint, further comprising:determining, prior to positioning the shoulder brace on the individual,the amount of pressure the compression mechanism will press the frontand rear pressure pads against the individual's shoulder joint.